The Black Cats are still searching for David Moyes' successor after Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes snubbed an approach from the Championship side.

In a statement on their website Sunderland said: "Since the end of the season, our focus has been to appoint a new manager.

"Recently, however, discussions have been entered into with parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring ownership of the club.

"With this backdrop, we have been unable to give the assurances any potential candidate would need regarding the plans a new owner could have for the manager’s position. The recruitment process, whilst still very much active, cannot therefore be concluded imminently.

"In talking to parties who have shown interest in acquiring the club, owner Ellis Short is determined to make sure that the best interests of Sunderland AFC are at the heart of any decision regarding its future.

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Sunday league side Dawdon Welfare Park play in new Sunderland kit

“We are of course acutely aware of the need to act swiftly to appoint a manager”

Sunderland statement

"We are of course acutely aware of the need to act swiftly to appoint a manager and to ensure that this is the case, have placed a time limit on discussions regarding a potential sale.

"If discussions are not concluded within our defined timeframe, we will terminate the process and move swiftly and positively forward with plans for the new season.

"Detailed pre-season preparations are already in place and our aim is to do everything we can to ensure Sunderland’s return to the top flight."

McInnes handed a blow to Sunderland yesterday when he pulled out of joining the Black Cats.

He explained: "As the chairman has said, I have ambitions in the game and while there was interest from elsewhere, and I did talk to Sunderland, I feel there is so much still to be done here at Aberdeen.

"While we have lost players from last season, they will be replaced by signings of similar quality and our first challenge is to reach the group stages of the Europa League after coming so close in each of the last three seasons."

Robbie Stockdale is expected to be in charge of Sunderland training when the players return at the end of June.